Sling 'em & bring 'em

When I found out I was expecting Eli, I decided I needed a sling to use for school functions, church, and other out and about activities (when I didn't want to lug a stroller).  I could just sling him and bring him, and how easy would that be?  However, I started pricing them, and they started at about $30.00.  I wasn't sure how often I'd use it or if it would really be handy or not.  As a first time mama, there's a lot of stuff they advertise that you NEED, and at that point you don't really know what are necessities. 

So, I decided to make my own sling.  I went out and bought school colored fabric (as I figured I'd use it most at ballgames and such) at JoAnn Fabrics for under ten dollars, found a free on-line pattern, measured, cut, and started sewing.  The project took less than an hour.  I thought this was a fabulous thing, and in essence I think it would've been.  However, I think the pattern was a little off and it never fit quite right.  It was a little shallow, and I was always afraid Eli was going to fall out.  I used it MAYBE two or three times, but I wanted to use it a lot more.  It just made me a little too nervous to use it very often.

Please pardon the wrinkles...it's been up in a closet for close to two years now.  Anyway, I decided this time I'd just splurge and buy one so I could use it more often.  I've been looking and pricing them (and still having trouble paying the full price).  Until I found this at Target:

This sling was originally $31.29, and I found it on clearance for $7.82.  I took it out of the package and tried it on.  It fit me right.  The pocket/pouch was deeper than the one I made...and with a puffy little edge to reassure me.  It's already looking a little better than my last one, and for under ten dollars, why not try it? 

It came with a little instruction manual for how to put it on, different ways to carry the baby (There are five!), and washing instructions.  It's reversible and machine washable.  I'm pretty excited about trying this new sling with baby #2! 

Lingering thought of the day:  Target's dollar aisle is awesome!  Eli and I stocked up on dinosaurs that roar the last time we were there to keep in the diaper bag.  They've been great distractions for him lately in public places where he can't run free.  They also have all kinds of cutesy educational stuff right now.  I'm quite the fan!